Today, Celine joins in our interview section. She is a cosplayer from Malaysia. Just starting cosplay for a short time, she has already shown us lots of excellent performances. As a cosplay newbie, she deserves applauding actually, XD. Now, let’s share her story.
1. Please Introduce yourself first
Hajimemashite, minna-san!! I’m Celine, or also known as Ayami in Deviantart. I’m 17 years old going on 18 in two months and i’m from Malaysia. Whenever photographers or others come up to me to ask for a photo and my name, they would start recognizing me more when i mention my surname *laughs* it’s a little unique. And also because i look different in different cosplays, i tend to be in character when i cosplay, just for the fun of it (excluding when my friends are around. impossible to be in character with them around).
2. What does cosplay mean to you?
What does it mean to me? Hmmm, well. For starters, cosplay actually opened me up. Unusual, but true. I used to be shy, REALLY shy and had low confidence level, but ever since i started cosplaying, i’ve been more daring, more friendly and i never had any problem in my oral tests/presentations! *embarrassed laugh* Cosplaying also means bringing life to 2D characters. I love the feeling of seeing my favorite anime character coming to life, especially when that certain cosplayer manage to portrait them perfectly!
3. What was your first cosplay?
Kuran Yuuki (note ‘Kuran’. Her vampire version :D) !! I absolutely LOVE her. I couldn’t let the opportunity past when i first met my cosplay partner and she introduced me into the world of cosplaying. I had her costume commissioned from China, a little difficult though, because i had to convince my mom to let me.
4. Does your family support your cosplay?
They do! I remember coming home from a cosplay convention in full costume, unaware that my aunties and uncles were visiting, and instead of showing negative attitude, they were in complete awe and kept praising me! Even my dad was genuinely smiling ear to ear.
5. What is your most memorable cosplay experience?
There’s too many to decide! But I have to say it was during 2010’s Comic Fiesta, the biggest event of the year in Malaysia. I was cosplaying as Hatsune Miku, Sandplay of the Singing Dragon version and was walking around looking for my groupmate (i lost them when i stopped to chat with my friends, the event was fully packed! @_@) when i was approached by this famous Singaporean cosplayer, Kaika, for a photo!! I was absolutely stunned!
That event was of 2 days, Saturday and Sunday. And i was a little disappointed that it was scheduled in the middle of the most important exam for every 17 year old Malaysian student. My parents forbid me to go! But i just couldn’t pass this event, so i did a little sweet talking and manage to convince them to let me go :’D Me and my other friends cramped into one of their houses, and while they were all fixing wigs, last minute changes to costumes, playing my friend’s piano in a ridiculously annoying way, i was sitting on her bed cramming for my Monday paper *sigh* (i was in a different class from them, so while they finished theirs on friday, i had my last one on monday D: evil school.)
6. What are your 2011 cosplay plans?
Plenty, sad to say for my wallet. I’m already planning for characters such as Kagamine Len, C.C, Miki (vocaloid) and some others. Let’s just keep it a surprise and wait for them pictures to come out. *winks*
7. Do you make your costumes yourself or buy them?
I usually buy them from online China. Sad to say, but i suck at sewing! *pouts* But i’m ready to try it for my Miki cosplay. Her costume is simple, so it shouldn’t do much damage to my mental health. I really hope i succeed!! Now, i just have to find those cloths store…
8. Any other cosplayers you like?
To many to choose from!! From Japan’s Saya, Touya Hibiki, Kaname, Kipi, Arisa Mizuhara to Philippines’ Alodia, China’s Kucos and Korea’s Tasha. I just learn alot from looking at their cosplays!
9. Do some changes happen to you after cosplay?
Of course it does. I’ve made more friends that i usually did in school! *sheepish smile* I’ve started to sew (i’m actually making Cheese-kun -Code Geass- now), alter those loose costumes (never done it before) and it just gives me this challenge that others can’t give.
10. Any advices you wanna share with cosplay newbies?
Don’t be afraid to flaunt your costume to others. If you’re a first timer and am afraid to do it alone, grab a friend and ask a senpai! What about those people who talks and point fingers at you? Who cares ; you’re having FUN! Besides, you will be entertaining little kids *laugh* A little warning though, once you cosplay, you never stop.